Memphis, Tennessee, September 3, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is set to enhance health care access in rural Tennessee with a $12 million grant from the state Department of Health. This four-year initiative will focus on combating health disparities affecting about 1.5 million residents in non-metropolitan areas. The newly established Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence will work on improving delivery and outcomes, led by experienced faculty. With significant challenges, including rural hospital closures and a decrease in independent medical practitioners, this initiative aims to address pressing health care needs in underserved communities.
Memphis, Tennessee – UTHSC Launches $12 Million Initiative for Rural Health Care Improvement
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) in Memphis has secured a $12 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health aimed at addressing health care disparities for individuals living in rural areas of Tennessee. This funding will launch a four-year initiative designed to improve access to quality health care for approximately 1.5 million residents who reside in non-metropolitan regions throughout the state.
On Tuesday, UTHSC announced the establishment of the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence. This center will be led by Wendy Likes, Dean of the College of Nursing, and Jim Bailey, a Professor in the College of Medicine. Their leadership is expected to drive efforts toward improving health care delivery and outcomes in rural communities.
Addressing Rural Health Challenges
Tennessee Health Commissioner John Dunn expressed the importance of equitable health access, stressing that health care outcomes should not vary based on geographical location. He recognized the distinctive and pressing health challenges that rural Tennesseans face, further supported by findings highlighting Tennessee’s position as the second in the U.S. for rural hospital closures between 2010 and 2025, as reported by the USDA.
In addition to hospital closures, a report by the Physicians Advocacy Institute revealed a concerning trend of dwindling access to independent medical practitioners, with rural Tennessee losing 362 independent doctors and 344 medical professionals in the years from 2019 to 2024 due to hospital consolidations. Such trends have raised alarms among healthcare advocates, leading the Tennessee Rural Health Care Task Force to urge immediate intervention and investment in solutions to enhance health care accessibility for rural residents.
The Center of Excellence’s Strategy
The creation of the Rural Health Care Center of Excellence is a direct response to the recommendations of the Tennessee Rural Health Care Task Force. A steering committee will be appointed by Dunn to advise the center during its foundational year. UTHSC plans to amplify its statewide partnerships to provide technical assistance, expand research, foster workforce development, and ultimately increase health care access across rural communities.
With educational and clinical campuses located in Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, UTHSC is well-positioned to tap into its existing resources. Additionally, the university’s Institute of Agriculture operates extension offices across all 95 counties, potentially offering further support to rural populations.
Core Areas of Focus
The center aims to concentrate on five key areas to optimize health care delivery in rural Tennessee. UTHSC has previously engaged in initiatives to strenghten rural health care, such as employing mobile health clinics. For instance, the Nursing Mobile Health Unit recorded 504 patient encounters last year alone in Lake and Lauderdale counties. Additionally, the UT Chattanooga Mobile Medical Outreach Clinic addresses the needs of older adults and their caregivers by providing vital health services across Southeast Tennessee.
The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology has also expanded its reach by offering mobile services in rural East Tennessee since April. Further, the Tennessee Population Health Consortium intends to advance its Neighborhood Health Hub Program, which conducts screenings for conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, into Hardin and Decatur counties.
On the educational front, the College of Pharmacy anticipates graduating 11 students from its Rural Health Certificate program in May 2026, which aims to prepare future professionals for work in underserved rural settings.
Conclusion
This significant investment reflects ongoing efforts to bridge the health care divide in Tennessee’s rural areas and address enduring challenges. Through the establishment of the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence, UTHSC is poised to play a crucial role in reshaping the health landscape for many underserved communities across the state.
FAQs
What is the Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence?
The Tennessee Rural Health Care Center of Excellence is a new initiative launched by UTHSC, aimed at improving health care access and outcomes for rural residents in Tennessee.
How much funding has UTHSC received for this initiative?
UTHSC has received a $12 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health for this four-year initiative.
What are the main goals of the center?
The center’s goals include closing health care gaps, enhancing technical support and workforce development, and increasing overall access to health care in rural communities.
Who will lead the center?
The center will be led by Wendy Likes, Dean of the College of Nursing, and Jim Bailey, a Professor in the College of Medicine.
What previous initiatives has UTHSC undertaken in rural Tennessee?
UTHSC has engaged in various rural health initiatives, including mobile health clinics that have delivered care to underserved populations.
Key Features of UTHSC’s Rural Health Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Amount | $12 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health |
| Leadership | Wendy Likes (Dean, College of Nursing) and Jim Bailey (Professor, College of Medicine) |
| Target Area | Rural health care accessibility and quality in Tennessee |
| Key Focus Areas | Technical assistance, research, workforce development, increasing access to care |
| Current Initiatives | Mobile health clinics, Neighborhood Health Hub Program, Rural Health Certificate program |
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Lookout: UTHSC Receives $12M Grant
- Tennessean: $12 Million Grant for Rural Health Care Gaps
- Manchester Times: UTHSC $12M Grant Announcement
- Wikipedia: Rural Health
- Commercial Appeal: UTHSC’s Rural Health Program
- Google Search: UTHSC Rural Health
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